DUBAI: Les Benjamins is a street wear brand that is very proud of its regional roots — and it showed its latest collection at Paris Men’s Fashion Week on Friday at Palais De Tokyo. Although it’s men’s fashion week, the brand showed looks for both men and women. The creative director and founder behind this young brand is Turkish designer Bunyamin Aydin, who previously collaborated with Puma. The brand, which is set to open a store in Dubai, is a regular fixture at pop up culture events in the region, including at Dubai’s annual urban festival, Sole DXB. Aydin spoke to Arab News about the inspiration behind his latest collection. “I love unfolding stories from the East that are untold and redefining culture by moving it forward. It’s like giving an update on our culture.” Friday’s show was an important moment for the 30-year-old talent — he has previously shown in Milan, but this was his debut catwalk presentation in Paris. “Paris is the center of the fashion world, it is where everyone gets together and it also a right place to take a message,” he said. The show made a clear statement about how fashion has now become more diverse, global and inclusive in its attitude with its international shapes and cuts, from smooth leather trench coats to jacquard knit dresses. Les Benjamins’ Fall/Winter 2020 is inspired by the 1970s psychedelic rock moment in Turkey. “What I call the Wild Wild East,” the designer said. Colors such as mustard yellow and pomegranate red are a nod to the Middle East, while the use of tapestry details speak of the creative director’s heritage. The fashion show reflected how mindsets are changing as we start a new decade.